Rizman Winery

Over the past twenty years, Rizman Winery in Komarna has undergone a remarkable transformation—from rugged karst and wilderness to one of the most beautiful wine destinations in Europe. As the first winery in the Komarna wine region, its foundation stemmed from the Štimac family’s deep-rooted passion for viticulture and a bold entrepreneurial vision. In an ambitious endeavor, the family leased land from the state for 50 years and began the challenging process of reclaiming the rocky terrain. Vines were literally planted in stone, resulting in an estate spanning 23 hectares of vineyards and 7 hectares of olive groves, within a total area of 43 hectares. A modern winery was later built on the estate, completing their vision. Komarna officially received wine region status in 2013, distinguishing itself as Croatia’s first fully organic wine-growing region. The soil had never been treated with chemicals, and Rizman Winery became a pioneer of certified organic agriculture in Croatia. Damir Štimac, who initially embarked on this project with his father Vlado and brother Mihovil, eventually took over the entire operation. Although he had graduated in law and was on the path to opening a sports law practice, he chose to pursue a different passion—wine. To enhance his expertise, he later completed a specialized degree in Mediterranean agriculture, majoring in viticulture and enology. The Štimac family’s winemaking heritage dates back to the early 20th century when their ancestor Mihovil Mijo Popich, known as Rizman, planted the family’s first vineyards. In honor of this legacy, the winery proudly bears his name. Rizman’s vineyards stretch across 50 to 250 meters above sea level, with diverse micro-locations and growing conditions. The estate primarily cultivates native Dalmatian grape varieties: Plavac Mali, Pošip, and Tribidrag. Annual production ranges from 60,000 to 100,000 bottles. At the highest point of the vineyard, standing at 253 meters above sea level, the Chapel of St. Michael was built in 2009. The name Michael (Mihovil) has been carried through five generations of the Štimac family, making it a symbol of their heritage. The chapel houses a statue of St. Michael, brought from the Basilica of Monte Gargano in Italy, where the saint is believed to have appeared in 462 AD. Each year, on September 29, the feast of St. Michael, the family gathers to give thanks for a successful harvest and pray for a fruitful year ahead. Rizman Winery offers a diverse selection of nine wine labels, each with a unique character:
– Brime Pošip – a white wine made from the indigenous Pošip grape
– Brime Plavac Mali – a bold red wine from Plavac Mali
– Nonno – a blend of Pošip and Chardonnay (up to 15%)
– Rusula – a rosé wine made from Plavac Mali
– Syrah – an elegant Syrah from organic vineyards in Komarna
– Tribidrag – a blend of Tribidrag (Zinfandel) and Tempranillo (up to 15%)
– Primus – a premium Plavac Mali red wine
– Pošip – a classic expression of the Pošip grape
– St. Michael – a single-plot, single-variety wine produced only in the best vintages; the 2018 vintage is made from Tribidrag, while the 2016 vintage is crafted from Syrah.
Rizman Winery offers wine tasting experiences and boutique B&B accommodation, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the stunning landscape of the Komarna wine region. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, the Pelješac Bridge, Hvar Island, and the small islets scattered across the bay. Over the years, Rizman wines have earned numerous prestigious awards, including Decanter accolades, further establishing the winery as a benchmark for excellence in Croatian winemaking. Today, Rizman Winery is synonymous with quality, passion, and innovation, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts worldwide.